Following the death of former Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker and senior Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Kodela Siva Prasada Rao, police have begun investigating the circumstances surrounding his sudden demise. According to police officials from Banjara Hills police station in Hyderabad, officials are looking to determine whether the senior leader had taken his own life.
Police are now conducting a further investigation into the incident under section 174 of the CrPC (enquiry and investigation into suicide). In the meantime, Rao’s body has been shifted to Osmania Hospital for the post-mortem examination.
Siva Prasada Rao was rushed to Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute in Hyderabad on Monday, where he was declared dead at around 12.15pm. As per police officials, he was found by his watchman, driver and daughter who rushed him to the hospital. Furthermore, police confirmed the presence of a ligature mark on the senior leader’s neck, but stated that until the autopsy was conducted, they would not be able to state whether he had taken his own life. They further added that they do not suspect any foul play at work.
The senior leader was recently in the news after admitting that he had shifted expensive furniture from the Assembly building in Hyderabad to his residence in Guntur district. After this, a motorbike showroom belonging to his family was searched, and the missing furniture was recovered from the same.
Several TDP leaders have pointed fingers at the YSRCP and alleged that harassment had disturbed Rao.
Kodela Siva Prasada Rao was born in Kandlagunta in Andhra Pradesh’s Guntur district. He entered politics in 1983 after being inspired by former Chief Minister Nandamuri Taraka Ramarao (NTR). He was also a 6-time MLA who served as a minister in NTR’s cabinet. As Health Minister, he played a large role in starting the Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Institute in Hyderabad.
He was appointed as the first Speaker of Andhra Pradesh after Chandrababu Naidu came to power in 2014, following the bifurcation of united Andhra.
If you or anyone you know is feeling depressed or suicidal, consider reaching out to one of the following helplines:
Telangana:
Telangana government suicide prevention toll free number - 104
Roshni- 040-66202000, 66202001
SEVA- 09441778290, 040 - 27504682 (between 9 AM and 7 PM)
Andhra Pradesh:
Life Suicide Prevention Helpline No.78930-78930
Roshni -
Helpline 1: 9166202000
Helpline 2: 9127848584
Karnataka:
Sahai : 24-hour helpline numbers: 080- 65000111, 080-65000222
Kerala:
Maithri helpline - 0484-2540530
Chaithram helpline: 0484-2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Tamil Nadu:
State health department suicide helpline number - 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050